In the last several weeks, there's been an increasing amount of people, especially among sports, who have elected NOT to stand and put their hand over their chest when the U.S. National Anthem is sung for various reasons. Some of which are religious, while others are in protest over Police actions against blacks, and there are still more various reasons. The latest incident that I read on the news is here:http://www.tmj4.com/news/national/kate-upton-calls-dolphins-national-anthem-protest-a-disgrace

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In my opinion, the national anthem is a symbolic song about our country. It represents honoring the many brave men and women who sacrifice and have sacrificed their lives each and every single day to protect our freedom. Sitting or kneeling down during the national anthem is a disgrace to those people who have served and currently serve our country. Sitting down during the national anthem on September 11th is even more horrific. Protest all you want and use social media all you want. However, during the nearly two minutes when that song is playing, I believe everyone should put their hands on their heart and be proud of our country for we are all truly blessed. Recent history has shown that it is a place where anyone no matter what race or gender has the potential to become President of the United States. We live in the most special place in the world and should be thankful. After the song is over, I would encourage everyone to please use the podium they have, stand up for their beliefs, and make America a better place. The rebuilding of Battery Park and the Freedom Tower demonstrates that amazing things can be done in this country when we work together towards a common goal. It is a shame how quickly we have forgotten this as a society. Today we are more divided then ever before. I could never imagine multiple people sitting down during the national anthem on the September 11th anniversary. The lessons of 9/11 should teach us that if we come together, the world can be a better and more peaceful place

How do others feel about the National Anthem and what sports players are doing? Do you support the actions of the players or not? How do you feel about the National Anthem? Should it be mandatory to stand for it? Should people be fined if they do not stand for it? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Star-Spangled_Banner

While it may be a choice, I wouldn't be caught dead not standing during the national anthem. Its not just the United States here; every country has an anthem of sorts, and people all stand for their anthems. If you're making a point to live and participate in a country, I feel you should support it. The national anthem is just one way to show support. You're not forced to sing it, at least stand out of respect. My two cents.

i myself view the national anthem as something to show respect towards soldiers, and the people who built america.

its kinda ridiculous not to stand though. yes those soldiers did might for your right to stand or to not stand, but still show some respect to those who fought for that ability (though i have to say many of those soldiers fought in pointless wars)

i feel that you should have the right to not stand, but i wouldn't care much if anything happened to them. its just highly disrespectful..

I suppose this shows a difference between the US and the UK :p Over here, people barely even know the words to the anthem. You get the first line sung and then mumbling. No one cares if you stand or not. A lot of people don't even know what our anthem sounds like.

I don't understand patriotism or a strong link to a country, as neither seems to be as important over here (plus I think the individuals are more important to honour and respect than the country) so I can't understand the importance of an anthem.

We play a game. Yes, to many of us it is much more than a game, but at the end of the day it is just that, a game. It is not life or death. We are not going off to war, we are not putting our lives on the line, we are not protecting our country's freedom. But we are in the headlines, we become household names and we are often the role models that children look up to. I am not saying that it is right, but it is what it is. Therefore, when we get the opportunity, it is only right that we honor the true heroes of this county, the men & women who truly deserve the credit, the headlines and the recognition. That is why it is such an honor to carry this flag onto the field, to wear the camouflage gear, to visit with military members and take trips like the USO tour. Not because it looks cool (although I can't deny that it does), but because of what it represents. The hard work, the blood, the sweat, the tears, the lives lost, the families that have sacrificed, the men & women who lay absolutely everything on the line for this country and for our freedom. That is why days like yesterday are so special. That is why we try to use our platform as athletes to honor and show our appreciation for the military. We play a game, we don't deserve the worship that we often receive. You do. So thank you, to every man and woman out there who has previously or is currently serving in our military. Also thank you to their families, who have sacrificed so much as well. You all are the true heroes. You are the ones who deserve the fanfare. Thank you.

It's a matter of respect for your country. Just like the flag. People have given theirlives to protect the freedoms of those of us who live here.

Sure there are problems with the government, but we have the right to vote, to protestand run for office. So if there is something you don't like work to change it through theprocess. Not giving respect to the symbols of our nation is a slap in the face to those whohave faught to keep it safe for the rest of us.